Simone Magill’s Euro 2022 may be over but the striker says the honour of playing at Northern Ireland's first ever major tournament will stay with her forever.
Magill, one of Kenny Shiels’ most influential players, was cut down by a serious knee injury near the end of Thursday night’s 4-1 defeat to Norway at St Mary’s Stadium.
It was a heartbreaking moment for the 27-year-old who has scored 21 goals in 70 appearances for her country since making her debut in 2010.
Read more: NI teenager Sean McAllister eager to follow Price path after signing new Everton deal
On Instagram, Magill said: “Words are a struggle right now. Playing in a major tournament was always the dream and so glad I made it here. Nothing will ever take that away from me.
“Although it might be some time before I pull a shirt on and cross the white line again, I know walking out there on Thursday night will live with me forever.”
Magill freely admits she was emotional as the Northern Ireland women’s team walked out for their first ever game at a major tournament.
Long serving defender Julie Nelson was on target for Shiels’ team but Norway cruised to a 4-1 win with goals from Julie Blackstad, Frida Maanum, Caroline Graham Hansen and Guro Reiten.
“The fans were absolutely incredible on Thursday night,” said Magill. “I had a tear in my eye walking out to the sea of green. It was everything I dreamed of. You make me so proud and honoured to wear the shirt.”
Northern Ireland’s next group game is against Austria in Southampton on Monday night, before the pool stage concludes with a high-profile clash with hosts England on Friday.
Cliftonville midfielder Louise McDaniel said the squad was “heartbroken” for Magill.
She said: “Naturally, we are all going to stand by her and we are going to be there for her and support her.”
Magill, the first Northern Ireland international to sign a full-time professional contract in the women’s game, helped Everton reach two FA Cup finals during a nine-year spell on Merseyside.
She switched Women’s Super League clubs after her Everton contract expired at the end of June.
“Everyone at Aston Villa extends our thoughts to Simone and wishes her the very best in her rehabilitation,” Magill’s new club said in a statement on Friday.
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